This year’s concentrated inspection campaign by port state control starts on 1 September 2023 and focuses on fire safety, both from a technical and operational aspect.
Fire Safety in the Spotlight!
Fire safety concerns are heating up the maritime world! The 2023 PSC CIC is blazing the trail, triggered by alarming numbers of fire-related deficiencies recorded over the years. In 2022, Paris MOU revealed fire safety as the top cause of ship deficiencies, ringing the alarm bells.
The US Coast Guard’s inspections echo the same worries. Fire safety deficiencies have been leading the pack for two consecutive years, while ISM related issues are on the rise compared to 2021.
Highlights Of US Coast Guard Report
Fire Safety: Oil accumulation in the engine room stood out once again with over seventy deficiencies. These mostly included oil-soaked insulation, fuel leaks, excessive oil in the bilge, as well as open buckets filled with oily waste, throughout engine rooms. In addition, several deficiencies involved firefighting equipment that was not readily available.
ISM: The majority of ISM related deficiencies were linked to maintenance of the ship and equipment, reporting of non-conformities, and shipboard operations. On one ship, all fuel shutoff valves were found to be inoperable when tested, even though its maintenance logs showed testing had been conducted 14 days prior.
The CIC will last for three months, from 1 September to 30 November 2023, and be included as an additional part of routine PSC inspections during the campaign period.
Be prepared
Targeted PSC inspections, like the upcoming CIC, serve as vital reminders for ship operators to prioritize fire safety. Ensure readiness of crew, equipment, and shore organization to handle fire emergencies effectively.
Stay tuned for the official questionnaire from Paris and Tokyo MOUs in August. Preparations can begin using Panama Ship Registry’s Marine Notice MMN-01/2023. Reach out to classification societies for detailed survey procedures information.
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Source: Gard
